Sintered ferrite magnet and motor provided therewith

ABSTRACT

Provided is a sintered ferrite magnet 10 that comprises Sr ferrite having a hexagonal crystal structure, wherein the total amount of Na and K is 0.004 to 0.31% by mass in terms of Na 2 O and K 2 O, an amount of Si is 0.3 to 0.94% by mass in terms of SiO 2 , and the following Expression (1) is satisfied. 
       1.3≦(Sr F +Ba+Ca+2Na+2K)/Si≦5.7  (1)
 
     [In Expression (1), Sr F  represents an amount of Sr, on a molar basis, other than Sr which constitutes the Sr ferrite, and Ba, Ca, Na, and K represent amounts of respective elements on a molar basis.]

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sintered ferrite magnet and a motor provided therewith.

BACKGROUND ART

As magnetic materials that are used in a sintered ferrite magnet, Ba ferrite, Sr ferrite, and Ca ferrite which have a hexagonal crystal structure are known. Recently, among these magnetic materials, as a magnet material for motors and the like, magnetoplumbite type (M type) Sr ferrite has been mainly employed. The M type ferrite is expressed by, for example, General Formula of AFe₁₂O₁₉. The Sr ferrite has Sr at an A site of the crystal structure.

To improve magnetic characteristics of the sintered ferrite magnet, improvement in the magnetic characteristic is attempted by substituting parts of an A-site element and a B-site element with a rare-earth element such as La, and Co, respectively. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology of improving a residual magnetic flux density (Br) and a coercive force (HcJ) by substituting parts of the A site and the B site with a specific amount of rare-earth element and Co.

As a representative use of the sintered ferrite magnet, a motor may be exemplified. The sintered ferrite magnet that is used in a motor is demanded to be excellent in both characteristics of the Br and the HcJ. However, generally, it is known that the Br and the HcJ are in a trade-off relationship. Therefore, it has been demanded to establish a technology capable of further improving both characteristics of Br and HcJ.

As an index representing magnetic characteristics in consideration of both characteristics of Br and HcJ, a calculation expression of Br (kG)+⅓HcJ (kOe) is known (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1). As this value is high, it can be said that the sintered ferrite magnet is suitable for a use such as a motor in which high magnetic characteristics are demanded.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application     Publication No. 11-154604

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

As described in Patent Literature 1, it is effective to improve the magnetic characteristics by controlling a composition of main crystal grains that constitutes the sintered ferrite magnet. However, it is difficult to greatly improve the magnetic characteristics of the sintered ferrite magnet in the related art by controlling only the composition of crystal grains. On the other hand, some accessory components that are contained in the sintered ferrite magnet have an operation of improving the magnetic characteristics or sinterability. However, reliability in excellent strength, external appearance, and the like of the sintered ferrite magnet may be damaged depending on a kind of the accessory component or an amount thereof in some cases. For example, when using a sintered ferrite magnet having low strength or a sintered ferrite magnet in which foreign matter tends to precipitate on a surface thereof in a motor, there is a concern that the sintered ferrite magnet is broken, or peeled off and falls down during use of the motor. Therefore, a sintered ferrite magnet, which has not only the magnetic characteristics and but also high reliability, has been demanded.

The invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a sintered ferrite magnet which is excellent in both characteristics of a residual magnetic flux density (Br) and a coercive force (HcJ), and which has high reliability. In addition, another object of the invention is to provide a motor which has high efficiency and which is excellent in reliability.

Solution to Problem

The present inventors have made an examination on improvement of magnetic characteristics by giving attention to the entire composition of the sintered ferrite magnet and a composition of a grain boundary in addition to a composition of a crystal grain. As a result, the present inventors have found that when a predetermined accessory component is contained, the magnetic characteristics and the reliability of the sintered ferrite magnet can be improved, and they have accomplished the invention.

That is, according to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a sintered ferrite magnet comprising Sr ferrite having a hexagonal crystal structure, wherein a total amount of Na and K is 0.004 to 0.31% by mass in terms of Na₂O and K₂O, an amount of Si is 0.3 to 0.94% by mass in terms of SiO₂, and the following Expression (1) is satisfied.

1.3≦(Sr_(F)+Ba+Ca+2Na+2K)/Si≦5.7  (1)

Here, in Expression (1), Sr_(F) represents an amount of Sr, on a molar basis, other than Sr which constitutes the Sr ferrite, and Ba, Ca, Na, and K represent amounts of respective elements on a molar basis.

The sintered ferrite magnet of the invention is excellent in both characteristics of Br and HcJ and has high reliability. Although not apparent, the present inventors consider that the reason of obtaining these effects is because a grain boundary composition of the sintered ferrite magnet contributes to the effects. That is, it is considered that silicate glass, which contains Sr other than Sr that constitutes the Sr ferrite and at least one of Ba, Ca, Na, and K as a constituent element, is formed at the grain boundary of the sintered ferrite magnet. It is considered that the sintered ferrite magnet of the invention has a grain boundary composition in a ratio with which the silicate glass is stably formed. Accordingly, the sintered ferrite magnet tends to have a stable and dense structure, and thus it is considered that the sintered ferrite magnet has high Br and HcJ and high reliability.

In addition, it is preferable that the sintered ferrite magnet of the invention satisfy the following Expression (2). According to this, it is possible to further increase the value of Br+⅓HcJ. In addition, in Expression (2), Sr_(F) represents an amount of Sr, on a molar basis, other than Sr which constitutes the Sr ferrite, and Ba, Ca, Na, and K represent amounts of respective elements on a molar basis.

1.7≦(Sr_(F)+Ba+Ca+2Na+2K)/Si≦23  (2)

In addition, it is preferable that the sintered ferrite magnet of the invention satisfy the following Expression (3). According to this, the sintered ferrite magnet has more excellent magnetic characteristics.

Br+⅓HcJ≧5.3  (3)

In Expression (3), Br and HcJ represent a residual magnetic flux density (kG) and a coercive force (kOe), respectively.

In the sintered ferrite magnet of the invention, it is preferable that an average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite be 1.0 μm or less, and a ratio of crystal grains, which have a grain size of 2.0 μm or more, on the number basis be 1% or less. According to this, it is possible to make the magnetic characteristics and the reliability be highly compatible with each other.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a motor including the above-described sintered ferrite magnet. The motor includes the sintered ferrite magnet having the above-described characteristics, and thus the motor has both of high efficiency and high reliability.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the invention, it is possible to provide a sintered ferrite magnet which is excellent in both characteristics of Br and HcJ and which has high reliability. In addition, it is possible to provide a motor which has high efficiency and which is excellent in reliability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a preferred embodiment of a sintered ferrite magnet of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a graph obtained by plotting a relationship between Br (G) and HcJ (Oe) of a plurality of sintered ferrite magnets in Examples and Comparative Examples of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an electron microscope photograph illustrating an enlarged cross-section of a sintered ferrite magnet of Example 73 (magnification: 10,000 times).

FIG. 4 is an electron microscope photograph illustrating an enlarged cross-section of a sintered ferrite magnet of Example 74 (magnification: 10,000 times).

FIG. 5 is an electron microscope photograph illustrating an enlarged cross-section of a sintered ferrite magnet of Comparative Example 14 (magnification: 10,000 times).

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating a grain size distribution of crystal grains of Sr ferrite that is contained in the sintered ferrite magnet of Example 73.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a grain size distribution of crystal grains of Sr ferrite that is contained in the sintered ferrite magnet of Example 74.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a grain size distribution of crystal grains of Sr ferrite that is contained in the sintered ferrite magnet of Comparative Example 14.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings as necessary.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a sintered ferrite magnet of this embodiment. The sintered ferrite magnet 10 has a curved shape in which an end face has an arc shape, and generally, the sintered ferrite magnet 10 has a shape called an arc segment shape, a C shape, a roof tile shape, or a bow shape. For example, the sintered ferrite magnet 10 is suitably used as a magnet for motors.

The sintered ferrite magnet 10 is a sintered Sr ferrite magnet that contains M-type Sr ferrite having a hexagonal structure as a main component. For example, the Sr ferrite that is a main component is expressed by the following Formula (4).

SrFe₁₂O₁₉  (4)

In the Sr ferrite of Expression (4), parts of A-site Sr and B-site Fe may be substituted with an impurity or an intentionally added element. In addition, a ratio between the A site and the B site may slightly deviate. In this case, the Sr ferrite may be expressed, for example, by the following General Formula (5).

R_(x)Sr_(1-x)(Fe_(12-y)M_(y))_(z)O₁₉  (5)

In Formula (5), for example, x and y range from 0.1 to 0.5, and z ranges from 0.7 to 1.2.

For example, M in General Formula (5) represents one or more kinds of elements selected from the group consisting of Co (cobalt), Zn (zinc), Ni (nickel), Mn (manganese), Al (aluminum), and Cr (chromium). In addition, for example, R in General Formula (5) is a rare-earth element and represents one or more kinds of elements selected from the group consisting of La (lanthanum), Ce (cerium), Pr (praseodymium), Nd (neodymium), and Sm (samarium). In addition, in this case, Sr_(F) can be calculated on the assumption that M and R constitute the Sr ferrite as expressed by General Formula (5).

A mass ratio of the Sr ferrite in the sintered ferrite magnet 10 is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95% by mass or more, and still more preferably 97% by mass or more. As described above, it is possible to further improve the magnetic characteristics by reducing the mass ratio of a crystal phase different from the Sr ferrite.

As an accessory component, the sintered ferrite magnet 10 contains a component different from the Sr ferrite. Examples of the accessory component include oxides. Examples of the oxides include oxides and composite oxides which have at least one kind of elements selected from the group consisting of K (potassium), Na (sodium), Si (silicon), Ca (calcium), Sr (strontium), and Ba (barium) as a constituent element. Examples of the oxides include SiO₂, K₂O, Na₂O, CaO, SrO, and BaO. In addition, silicate glass may be contained.

The total amount of Na and K in the sintered ferrite magnet 10 is 0.004 to 0.31% by mass in terms of Na₂O and K₂O. The lower limit of the total amount of Na and K is preferably 0.01% by mass in terms of Na₂O and K₂O, more preferably 0.02% by mass, and still more preferably 0.03% by mass. When the total amount of Na and K excessively decreases, a sintering temperature cannot be lowered, and thus there is a tendency that grain growth of crystal grains occurs and thus it is difficult to obtain sufficiently high magnetic characteristics.

The upper limit of the total amount of Na and K is preferably 0.2% by mass in terms of Na₂O and K₂O, more preferably 0.15% by mass, and still more preferably 0.1% by mass. When the total amount of Na and K excessively increases, a white powder tends to be generated on a surface of the sintered ferrite magnet 10. When the powder is generated on the surface of the sintered ferrite magnet 10, for example, adhesion between a motor member and the sintered ferrite magnet 10 decreases, and thus there is a possibility that the sintered ferrite magnet 10 may be peeled from the motor member. That is, the reliability of the sintered ferrite magnet 10 deteriorates.

An amount of Si in the sintered ferrite magnet 10 is 0.3 to 0.94% by mass in terms of SiO₂. The lower limit of the amount of Si is 0.4% by mass in terms of SiO₂, and more preferably 0.45% by mass. When the amount of Si excessively decreases, a sintered body is not sufficiently densified, and thus the excellent magnetic characteristics tend to deteriorate. The upper limit of the amount of Si is preferably 0.9% by mass in terms of SiO₂, and more preferably 0.8% by mass. When the amount of Si excessively increases, the sufficiently excellent magnetic characteristics tend to deteriorate.

An amount of Sr in the sintered ferrite magnet 10 is preferably 10 to 13% by mass in terms of SrO from the viewpoint of further improving the magnetic characteristics and the reliability, and more preferably 10.3 to 11.9% by mass. In addition, an amount of Ba in the sintered ferrite magnet 10 is preferably 0.01 to 2.0% by mass in terms of BaO from the same viewpoint, and more preferably 0.01 to 0.2% by mass.

An amount of Ca in the sintered ferrite magnet 10 is preferably 0.05 to 2% by mass in terms of CaO from the viewpoint of further improving the magnetic characteristics and the reliability, and more preferably 0.1 to 1.5% by mass. In addition to these components, impurities that are contained in a raw material, or unavoidable components that are derived from a manufacturing facility may be contained in the sintered ferrite magnet 10. Examples of the impurities and the unavoidable components include oxides of Ti (titanium), Cr (chromium), Mn (manganese), Mo (molybdenum), V (vanadium), Al (aluminum), and the like.

The accessory component is mainly contained in a grain boundary of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite in the sintered ferrite magnet 10. When a ratio of respective elements that are included in the accessory component varies, a composition of a grain boundary varies. As a result, this variation may have an effect on the magnetic characteristics and the reliability of the sintered ferrite magnet 10. When a ratio of a specific element that is included in the accessory component is adjusted in a predetermined range, the sintered ferrite magnet 10 of this embodiment has excellent magnetic characteristics and the high reliability. In addition, the amount of respective components of the sintered ferrite magnet 10 can be measured by fluorescent X-ray analysis and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopic analysis (ICP analysis).

From the viewpoint of further improving the magnetic characteristics and the reliability, the sintered ferrite magnet 10 satisfies the following Expression (1), preferably the following Expression (1)′, still more preferably the following Expression (6), and still more preferably the following Expression (2).

1.3≦(Sr_(F)+Ba+Ca+2Na+2K)/Si≦5.7  (1)

1.3≦(Sr_(F)+Ba+Ca+2Na+2K)/Si≦3.2  (1)′

1.3≦(Sr_(F)+Ba+Ca+2Na+2K)/Si<2.9  (6)

1.7≦(Sr_(F)+Ba+Ca+2Na+2K)/Si≦2.7  (2)

In Expression (1), Expression (1)′, Expression (6), and Expression (2), Sr_(F) represents an amount of Sr, on a molar basis, other than Sr which constitutes the Sr ferrite, and Ba, Ca, Na, and K represent amounts of respective elements on a molar basis. Sr_(F) is created in a case where a ratio of a Sr source to an Fe source is made to be more than a stoichiometric ratio of the Sr ferrite [SrFe₁₂O₁₉ or R_(x)Sr_(1-x)(Fe_(12-y)M_(y))_(z)O₁₉] during a process of manufacturing the sintered ferrite magnet 10. In a case where the amount of Sr is less than the stoichiometric ratio of the Sr ferrite [SrFe₁₂O₁₉ or R_(x)Sr_(1-x)(Fe_(12-y)M_(y))_(z)O₁₉], the Sr_(F) becomes a numerical value less than 0, that is, a negative numerical value. In this case, it is also preferable to satisfy Expression (1), Expression (1)′, Expression (6), or Expression (2).

It is considered that silicate glass containing the element, which is exemplified as an accessory component, as a constituent element is generated at a grain boundary of the sintered ferrite magnet 10. It is considered that when the sintered ferrite magnet 10 satisfies Expression (1), Expression (1)′, Expression (6), or Expression (2), a composition of the grain boundary is stabilized, and this stabilization contributes to improvement in the magnetic characteristics and the reliability.

An average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite in the sintered ferrite magnet 10 is preferably 2.0 μm or less, more preferably 1.0 μm or less, and still more preferably 0.3 μm to 1.0 μm. When the average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite exceeds 2.0 μm, there is a tendency that it is difficult to obtain sufficiently excellent magnetic characteristics. On the other hand, it is difficult to manufacture a sintered ferrite magnet in which the average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite is less than 0.3 μm,

The average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite of the sintered ferrite magnet 10 can be measured by using a SEM or a TEM. In a case of performing the measurement by the SEM, a cross-section of the sintered ferrite magnet is mirror-polished, and the cross-section is etched with an acid such as hydrofluoric acid. Then, the resultant etched surface is observed with the SEM. In a SEM or TEM observation image including several hundreds of crystal grains, a contour of crystal grains is made to be clear, and image processing and the like are performed. Then, a grain size distribution of a c-plane is measured. “Grain size” in this specification represents the major axis (diameter in an a-axis direction) in an a-plane. The major axis is obtained as the longest side of a “rectangle with the smallest area” which circumscribes each of the crystal grains. In addition, a ratio of the longest side to the shortest side in the “rectangular with the smallest area” is an “aspect ratio”. In addition, a so-called thermal etching in which a sample is heated and etched may be performed instead of the etching with the acid.

From the measured grain size distribution on the number basis, an average value of the grain size of crystal grains on the number basis is calculated. In addition, a standard deviation is calculated from the grain size distribution and the average value which are measured. In this specification, the average value and the grain size distribution are set as an average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite and a standard deviation thereof. It is preferable that a ratio of crystal grains having a grain size of 2.0 μm or more to the entirety of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite on the number basis be 1% or less, and more preferably 0.9% or less. According to this, it is possible to obtain a sintered ferrite magnet having sufficiently high magnetic characteristics. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that a number average value (average aspect ratio) of the aspect ratio of respective crystal grains be approximately 1.0.

It is preferable that the sintered ferrite magnet 10 satisfy the following Expression (3). Crystal grains of the Sr ferrite in the sintered ferrite magnet of this embodiment are sufficiently fine and the sintered ferrite magnet has a specific composition, and thus high magnetic characteristics which satisfy Expression (3) are obtained. A sintered ferrite magnet, which satisfies Expression (3), has sufficiently excellent magnetic characteristics. It is possible to provide a motor having further higher efficiency with such a sintered ferrite magnet.

Br+⅓HcJ≧5.3  (3)

In Expression (3), Br and HcJ represent a residual magnetic flux density (kG) and a coercive force (kOe), respectively.

FIG. 2 is a graph obtained by plotting a relationship between Br (G) and HcJ (Oe) of a plurality of sintered ferrite magnets in Examples and Comparative Examples of the invention. In FIG. 2, only data satisfying a relationship of Hk/HcJ>90% is plotted. As can be seen from FIG. 2, in a sintered ferrite magnet, magnetic characteristics such as Br and HcJ typically vary due to a change in manufacturing conditions such as a composition, addition conditions, and a firing temperature. In addition, the Br and the HcJ are in a trade-off relationship. In addition, the Br and the HcJ vary in accordance with a predetermined gradient (Br+⅓HcJ). It is preferable that the sintered ferrite magnet 10 have magnetic characteristics (Br, HcJ) on a straight line 1 (Br+⅓HcJ=5.3) in FIG. 2 or an upper and right side of the straight line 1.

For example, the sintered ferrite magnet 10 may be used as a magnet of motors for vehicles such as motors for a fuel pump, a power window, an anti-lock brake system (ABS), a fan, a wiper, power steering, an active suspension, a starter, a door lock, and an electric mirror. In addition, the sintered ferrite magnet 10 may also be used as a magnet of motors for OA/AV apparatuses such as motors for an FDD spindle, a VTR capstan, a VTR rotary head, a VTR reel, VTR loading, a VTR camera capstan, a VTR camera rotary head, VTR camera zooming, VTR camera focusing, a radio cassette recorder capstan, a CD/DVD/MD spindle, CD/DVD/MD loading, and CD/DVD optical pickup. Furthermore, the sintered ferrite magnet 10 may also be used as a magnet of motors for household electrical appliances such as motors for a compressor of an air-conditioner, a compressor of a freezer, electric tool driving, a drier fan, shaver driving, and an electric toothbrush. Furthermore, the sintered ferrite magnet 10 may also be used as a magnet of motors for FA apparatuses such as motors for driving of a robot shaft and a joint, main driving of a robot, driving of a machine tool table, and driving of a machine tool belt.

The sintered ferrite magnet 10 is bonded to the above-described motor member and is provided inside the motor. In the sintered ferrite magnet 10 having excellent magnetic characteristics, generation of a crack and generation of foreign matter (white powder) on a surface are sufficiently suppressed, and thus the sintered ferrite magnet 10 is bonded to the motor member in a sufficiently strong manner. As described above, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the sintered ferrite magnet 10 from being peeled from the motor member. Accordingly, various motors provided with the sintered ferrite magnet 10 have both of high efficiency and high reliability.

The use of the sintered ferrite magnet 10 is not limited to the motors, and the sintered ferrite magnet 10 may be used, for example, as a member such as a generator for motorcycles, a magnet for speakers and headphones, a magnetron tube, a magnetic field generating apparatus for an MRI, a clamper for a CD-ROM, a sensor for a distributor, a sensor for an ABS, a fuel and oil level sensor, a magnet latch, and an isolator. In addition, the sintered ferrite magnet 10 may be used as a target (pellet) during formation of a magnetic layer of a magnetic recording medium by a deposition method, a sputtering method, and the like.

Next, a method of manufacturing the sintered ferrite magnet 10 will be described. The method of manufacturing the sintered ferrite magnet 10 includes a blending process, a calcination process, a pulverization process, a molding process in a magnetic field, and a firing process. Hereinafter, details of the respective processes will be described.

The blending process is a process of preparing a mixed powder for calcination. In the blending process, first, starting raw materials are weighed and are blended in a predetermined ratio, and then are mixed with a wet-type attritor, a ball mill, and the like for 1 hour to 20 hours. Pulverization is also performed during the mixing. As the starting raw materials, compounds having constituent elements of the Sr ferrite that is a main component are prepared.

In the blending process, powders such as SiO₂, CaCO₃, Na₂CO₃, and K₂CO₃ which are accessory components may be added. As a compound that has a constituent element of Na or K, a silicate or an organic compound (dispersing agent) that contains Na or K may be used in addition to a carbonate.

As the compounds that have the constituent elements of the Sr ferrite, compounds such as oxides, and carbonates, hydroxides, and nitrites which become oxides by firing may be used. Examples of the compounds include SrCO₃, La(OH)₃, Fe₂O₃, Co₃O₄, and the like. An average particle size of the starting raw material is not particularly limited. For example, the average particle size is 0.1 μm to 2.0 μm. It is not necessary to mix all of the starting raw materials in the blending process before the calcination, and parts of the respective compound or the entirety thereof may be added after the calcination.

The calcination process is a process of calcinating the raw material composition that is obtained in the blending process. The calcination can be performed in an oxidizing atmosphere such as in the air. A calcination temperature is preferably 800° C. to 1450° C., more preferably 850° C. to 1300° C., and still more preferably 900° C. to 1200° C. A calcination time at the calcination temperature is preferably 1 second to 10 hours, and more preferably 1 minute to 3 hours. An amount of the Sr ferrite in a calcined material that can be obtained by the calcination is preferably 70% by mass or more, and more preferably 90% by mass or more. A primary particle size of the calcined material is preferably 10 μm or less, and more preferably 2.0 μm or less.

The pulverization process is a process of pulverizing the calcined material to obtain a powder of a ferrite magnet. The pulverization process may be performed in a single step, or in two steps divided into a rough pulverization process and a fine pulverization process. Typically, the calcined material is present in a granular shape or an agglomerated shape and thus it is preferable to perform the rough pulverization process at first. In the rough pulverization process, pulverization is performed in a dry type by using a vibration rod mill and the like to prepare a pulverized powder having an average particle size of 0.5 μm to 5.0 μm. The pulverized powder that is prepared in this manner is wet-pulverized by using a wet-type attritor, a ball mill, a jet mill, and the like to obtain a fine powder having an average particle size of 0.08 μm to 2.0 μm, more preferably 0.1 μm to 1.0 μm, and still more preferably 0.2 μm to 0.8 μm.

A specific surface area of the fine powder in accordance with a BET method is preferably 5 m²/g to 14 m²/g, and more preferably 7 m²/g to 12 m²/g. For example, in a case of using the wet-type attritor, a pulverization time is 30 minutes to 10 hours, and in a case of using the ball mill, the pulverization time is 5 hours to 50 hours. It is preferable that the pulverization time be appropriately adjusted in accordance with a pulverization method.

In the pulverization process, powders such as CaCO₃, SrCO₃, and BaCO₃ may be added in addition to powders such as SiO₂, Na₂CO₃, and K₂CO₃ which are accessory components. As a compound that has a constituent element of Na or K, a silicate or an organic compound (dispersing agent) that contains Na or K may be used in addition to a carbonate. When adding the accessory components, it is possible to improve sinterability and magnetic characteristics. In a case of performing wet molding, the accessory components may flow out together with a solvent of slurry, and thus it is preferable to blend the accessory component in an amount more than a target amount in a sintered ferrite magnet.

To increase a magnetic orientation degree of the sintered ferrite magnet, it is preferable to add polyhydric alcohol in the fine pulverization process in addition to the above-described accessory component. An added amount of the polyhydric alcohol is 0.05 to 5.0% by mass with respect to materials to be added, preferably 0.1 to 3.0% by mass, and more preferably 0.3 to 2.0% by mass. In addition, the added polyhydric alcohol is removed by thermal decomposition in the firing process after the molding process in a magnetic field.

The molding process in a magnetic field is a process of molding the fine powder, which is obtained in the pulverization process, in a magnetic field to prepare a molded body. The molding process in a magnetic field may be performed by either dry molding or wet molding. However, the wet molding is preferable from the viewpoint of increasing the magnetic orientation degree. In a case of performing the wet molding, the slurry, which is obtained by performing the fine pulverization process in a wet manner, may be adjusted to have a predetermined concentration, and the slung may be set as slurry for wet molding. Concentration of the slurry may be performed by centrifugal separation, filter pressing and the like.

An amount of the fine powder in the slurry for wet molding is preferably 30 to 85% by mass. Water or nonaqueous solvent may be used as a dispersion medium of the slurry. In addition to water, surfactants such as gluconic acid, gluconate, and sorbitol may be added to the slurry for wet molding. The molding in a magnetic field is performed by using the slurry for wet molding. A molding pressure is, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 ton/cm², and an applied magnetic field is, for example, 5 kOe to 15 kOe.

The firing process is a process of firing the molded body to obtain a sintered body. The firing process is typically performed in an oxidizing atmosphere such as in the air. A firing temperature is preferably 1050 to 1300° C., and more preferably 1150 to 1250° C. A firing time at the firing temperature is preferably 0.5 to 3 hours. Through the above-described processes, it is possible to obtain a sintered body, that is, a sintered ferrite magnet 10. In addition, the method of manufacturing the sintered ferrite magnet of the invention is not limited to the above-described method.

Hereinbefore, a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, but the sintered ferrite magnet and the motor of the invention are not limited to the above-described sintered ferrite magnet and motor. For example, the shape of the sintered ferrite magnet is not limited to the shape in FIG. 1, and may be appropriately modified into a shape that is suitable for the above-described uses.

EXAMPLES

The contents of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples, but the invention is not limited to the following Examples.

Examples 1 to 72, and Comparative Examples 1 to 13 Preparation of Sintered Ferrite Magnet

First, the following starting raw materials were prepared.

Fe₂O₃ powder (primary particle size: 0.3 μm)

SrCO₃ powder (primary particle size: 2 μm)

SiO₂ powder (primary particle size: 0.01 μm)

CaCO₃ powder

Na₂CO₃ powder

K₂CO₃ powder

1000 g of Fe₂O₃ powder, 161.2 g of SrCO₃ powder, and 2.3 g of SiO₂ powder were mixed while pulverizing the powders by using a wet attritor, and then drying and granulation were performed. The resultant powder that was obtained in this manner was fired in the air at 1250° C. for 3 hours, thereby obtaining a granular calcined material. The calcined material was roughly pulverized by using a dry vibration rod mill, thereby preparing a powder having a specific surface area of 1 m²/g in accordance with a BET method.

Sorbitol, the SiO₂ powder and the CaCO₃ powder were added to 130 g of roughly pulverized powder in a predetermined amount, and then wet pulverization was performed for 21 hours by using a ball mill to obtain slurry. An added amount of the sorbitol was 1% by mass on the basis of the mass of the roughly pulverized powder. The specific surface area of a fine powder after pulverization was 6 m²/g to 8 m²/g. The Na₂CO₃ powder and/or the K₂CO₃ powder were added to the slurry after completion of the pulverization in a predetermined amount, and then stirring was performed. Then, a concentration of a solid content of the slurry was adjusted, and molding was performed by using a wet magnetic field molding machine in an applied magnetic field of 12 kOe, thereby obtaining a molded body. Four pieces of molded bodies were prepared. The molded bodies were fired in the air at 1180° C., 1200° C., 1220° C., and 1240° C., respectively, thereby obtaining four kinds of cylindrical sintered ferrite magnets in which firing temperatures were different from each other. In this manner, sintered ferrite magnets of Example 1 were prepared. In addition, sintered ferrite magnets of Examples 2 to 72 and Comparative Examples 1 to 13, which had a composition different from that of Example 1, were prepared in the same manner as Example 1 except that at least one of an added amount of the SrCO₃ powder before calcination, an added amount of the SiO₂ powder and the CaCO₃ powder during preparation of slurry, and an added amount of the Na₂CO₃ powder and the K₂CO₃ powder to the slurry was changed. In respective Examples and Comparative Examples, four kinds of sintered ferrite magnets, in which firing temperatures were different from each other, were prepared.

(Evaluation of Sintered Ferrite Magnet)

<Composition Analysis>

The composition of the prepared sintered ferrite magnets of respective Examples and Comparative Examples was measured by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopic analysis (ICP analysis) and fluorescent X-ray analysis. In the sintered ferrite magnets, elements (Ba and the like), which were derived from impurities contained in the starting raw materials, were detected in addition to Fe, Sr, Si, and Ca. Tables 1 to 5 show respective amounts of Na, Al, K, Si, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Sr, and Ba which were detected in terms of Na₂O, Al₂O₃, K₂O, SiO₂, CaO, Cr₂O₃, MnO, Fe₂O₃, NiO, SrO, and BaO. Each of the amounts is a value (% by mass) on the basis of the entirety of the sintered ferrite magnet. In addition, the reason why the total value of the amounts is not 100% by mass is that each of the sintered ferrite magnets contains a minor component such as an impurity in addition to the above-described components, and oxidation numbers of constituent elements of respective oxides may be different in some cases.

An amount of Sr, which constitutes an A site of the Sr ferrite expressed by General Formula (5), was calculated on the basis of the amount of Fe, Al, Cr, Mn, and Ni on the assumption that Al, Cr, Mn, and Ni, which are detected by the above-described composition analysis, constitute a B site of the Sr ferrite expressed by General Formula (5) in combination with Fe. In addition, a rare-earth element R was not contained, and thus x in General Formula (5) is 0. In addition, an amount (% by mass) of Sr (Sr_(F)), which does not constitute the Sr ferrite, was obtained by subtracting the amount of Sr constituting the A site, which was obtained as described above, from the amount of Sr that was obtained by the above-described composition analysis. The amount (% by mass) of Sr, which does not constitute the Sr ferrite, and the amount (% by mass) of Ba, Ca, Na, and K were converted in a molar basis, and a molar ratio a [=(Sr_(F)+Ba+Ca+2Na+2K)/Si] was obtained. These results are shown in Tables 1 to 5.

<Evaluation of Magnetic Characteristics>

An upper surface and a lower surface of each of the prepared cylindrical sintered ferrite magnets were processed, and then the magnetic characteristics were measured by using a B-H tracer in which a maximum applied magnetic field was 25 kOe. During the measurement, Br, HcJ, bHc, 4 PI_(max), and (BH)_(max) were obtained, and an external magnetic field intensity (Hk) when reaching 90% of the Br was measured. On the basis of the measured values, Hk/HcJ (%) was obtained. In respective Examples and Comparative Examples, magnetic characteristics of sintered ferrite magnets, among the sintered ferrite magnets prepared at respective firing temperatures of 1180° C., 1200° C., 1220° C., and 1240° C., which satisfy a relationship of Hk/HcJ>90% and which shows the highest “Br+⅓HcJ” are shown in Tables 1 to 5 in combination with sintering temperatures.

<Evaluation on External Appearance>

Each of the ferrite magnets that were prepared was left as it was in the air for 7 days, and the surface of the ferrite magnet was observed with the naked eye. Evaluation was performed on the basis of the following criteria. Evaluation results are shown in Tables 1 to 4.

A: Crack did not occur on a surface of a magnet and a white powder was not generated thereon.

B: Crack occurred on the surface of the magnet, but the white powder was not generated thereon.

C: Crack occurred on the surface of the magnet, and the white powder adhered to the surface.

TABLE 1 Composition Analysis Na₂O Al₂O₃ K₂O SiO₂ CaO Cr₂O₃ MnO Fe₂O₃ NiO SrO BaO mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % Example 1 0.009 0.092 0.001 0.470 0.431 0.077 0.566 87.7 0.021 10.5 0.058 Example 2 0.044 0.091 0.001 0.432 0.424 0.077 0.564 87.7 0.020 10.5 0.052 Example 3 0.081 0.091 0.001 0.433 0.433 0.077 0.568 87.7 0.021 10.5 0.054 Example 4 0.007 0.093 0.001 0.498 0.648 0.075 0.564 87.5 0.022 10.4 0.057 Example 5 0.013 0.093 0.001 0.473 0.641 0.075 0.559 87.6 0.023 10.4 0.059 Example 6 0.051 0.095 0.001 0.455 0.646 0.083 0.562 87.5 0.028 10.4 0.054 Example 7 0.086 0.090 0.001 0.464 0.648 0.079 0.568 87.4 0.022 10.5 0.059 Example 8 0.011 0.089 0.001 0.450 0.209 0.078 0.567 88.0 0.025 10.4 0.056 Example 9 0.047 0.092 0.001 0.431 0.216 0.078 0.565 88.0 0.020 10.4 0.061 Example 10 0.084 0.089 0.001 0.439 0.207 0.079 0.563 87.9 0.022 10.4 0.056 Example 11 0.129 0.090 0.001 0.452 0.206 0.074 0.565 87.8 0.021 10.5 0.058 Example 12 0.135 0.092 0.001 0.451 0.209 0.082 0.565 87.8 0.023 10.5 0.058 Example 13 0.004 0.089 0.001 0.740 0.642 0.076 0.556 87.3 0.025 10.4 0.066 Example 14 0.012 0.093 0.001 0.665 0.643 0.076 0.561 87.4 0.022 10.4 0.058 Example 15 0.056 0.090 0.001 0.626 0.640 0.076 0.561 87.3 0.021 10.4 0.060 Example 16 0.106 0.090 0.001 0.653 0.650 0.079 0.559 87.2 0.021 10.4 0.060 Example 17 0.135 0.095 0.001 0.664 0.654 0.079 0.561 87.2 0.022 10.4 0.053 Example 18 0.015 0.092 0.001 0.708 0.865 0.075 0.561 87.1 0.021 10.4 0.054 Example 19 0.060 0.091 0.001 0.657 0.857 0.074 0.562 87.1 0.020 10.4 0.056 Example 20 0.100 0.092 0.001 0.686 0.873 0.075 0.564 87.0 0.022 10.4 0.056 Example 21 0.012 0.092 0.001 0.696 1.07 0.075 0.560 86.9 0.022 10.4 0.055 Example 22 0.049 0.090 0.001 0.665 1.08 0.078 0.560 86.9 0.020 10.4 0.051 Example 23 0.094 0.090 0.001 0.671 1.08 0.076 0.557 86.8 0.020 10.4 0.053 Magnetic Characteristics Molar Firing Br/ Ratio Temp. Br bHc HcJ (BH)_(max) 4PI_(max) Hk/HcJ Br + Appear- a ° C. G Oe Oe MGOe % % ⅓HcJ ance Example 1 2.25 1220 4139 3603 3859 4.14 96.0 92.2 5.43 A Example 2 2.74 1200 4128 3756 3902 4.12 96.2 96.3 5.43 A Example 3 3.08 1180 4076 3740 3974 4.01 95.8 94.9 5.40 A Example 4 2.48 1180 4103 3688 3966 4.07 95.9 93.0 5.43 A Example 5 2.63 1180 4099 3577 3778 4.07 96.1 94.0 5.36 A Example 6 3.08 1180 4116 3659 3792 4.10 96.2 95.7 5.38 A Example 7 3.46 1180 4096 3598 3818 4.06 96.0 93.5 5.37 A Example 8 1.66 1220 4184 3482 3637 4.24 96.7 93.8 5.40 A Example 9 2.08 1220 4158 3555 3711 4.18 96.5 94.3 5.40 A Example 10 2.35 1180 4016 3816 4079 3.90 95.8 96.6 5.38 A Example 11 2.82 1180 4016 3784 4059 3.90 95.9 95.4 5.37 A Example 12 2.88 1180 4024 3789 4039 3.92 96.1 96.0 5.37 A Example 13 1.67 1240 4175 3263 3437 4.19 96.0 92.5 5.32 A Example 14 1.89 1220 4134 3607 3792 4.12 95.8 94.4 5.40 A Example 15 2.29 1200 4110 3773 3952 4.07 95.5 96.3 5.43 A Example 16 2.51 1200 4111 3772 3964 4.07 95.5 95.9 5.43 A Example 17 2.64 1180 4071 3768 4043 4.00 95.3 93.9 5.42 A Example 18 2.15 1220 4188 3508 3703 4.23 95.9 93.3 5.42 A Example 19 2.57 1180 4084 3775 3984 4.03 95.7 95.5 5.41 A Example 20 2.72 1200 4141 3594 3803 4.14 95.8 93.4 5.41 A Example 21 2.50 1200 4124 3449 3672 4.11 96.2 91.6 5.35 A Example 22 2.85 1180 4087 3583 3741 4.05 96.1 95.0 5.33 A Example 23 3.10 1200 4179 3373 3484 4.22 96.4 94.7 5.34 A

TABLE 2 Composition Analysis Na₂O Al₂O₃ K₂O SiO₂ CaO Cr₂O₃ MnO Fe₂O₃ NiO SrO BaO Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Example 24 0.057 0.088 0.001 0.576 0.212 0.077 0.561 87.9 0.021 10.4 0.051 Example 25 0.097 0.090 0.001 0.591 0.210 0.080 0.566 87.7 0.020 10.5 0.056 Example 26 0.140 0.091 0.001 0.613 0.214 0.081 0.567 87.6 0.022 10.5 0.059 Example 27 0.050 0.089 0.001 0.602 0.422 0.074 0.562 87.6 0.020 10.4 0.058 Example 28 0.114 0.086 0.001 0.618 0.437 0.080 0.560 87.5 0.018 10.4 0.053 Example 29 0.135 0.093 0.001 0.625 0.433 0.075 0.561 87.4 0.023 10.5 0.063 Example 30 0.068 0.092 0.001 0.884 0.867 0.078 0.556 86.9 0.021 10.4 0.057 Example 31 0.117 0.090 0.001 0.898 0.871 0.078 0.557 86.8 0.020 10.4 0.057 Example 32 0.150 0.093 0.001 0.893 0.867 0.073 0.561 86.8 0.015 10.4 0.060 Example 33 0.019 0.094 0.001 0.935 1.09 0.074 0.558 86.7 0.021 10.4 0.053 Example 34 0.074 0.087 0.001 0.912 1.09 0.073 0.552 86.7 0.019 10.3 0.062 Example 35 0.069 0.084 0.001 0.910 1.30 0.076 0.552 86.5 0.021 10.3 0.063 Example 36 0.113 0.087 0.001 0.912 1.31 0.073 0.556 86.4 0.021 10.3 0.063 Example 37 0.073 0.093 0.001 0.838 0.428 0.077 0.563 87.3 0.021 10.5 0.051 Example 38 0.109 0.091 0.001 0.853 0.438 0.075 0.561 87.2 0.021 10.5 0.057 Example 39 0.120 0.095 0.001 0.901 0.658 0.070 0.562 87.0 0.020 10.4 0.061 Example 40 0.094 0.090 0.001 0.604 0.104 0.080 0.565 87.2 0.0 11.0 0.067 Example 41 0.102 0.088 0.001 0.607 0.106 0.073 0.555 86.9 0.0 11.4 0.072 Example 42 0.102 0.088 0.001 0.619 0.106 0.073 0.561 86.4 0.0 11.9 0.077 Example 43 0.134 0.094 0.001 0.652 0.106 0.076 0.562 86.3 0.0 11.8 0.082 Example 44 0.053 0.089 0.001 0.595 0.105 0.079 0.565 87.7 0.0 10.7 0.061 Example 45 0.106 0.090 0.001 0.607 0.106 0.073 0.565 87.6 0.0 10.7 0.064 Example 46 0.141 0.098 0.001 0.624 0.106 0.077 0.566 87.5 0.0 10.6 0.057 Magnetic Characteristics Molar Firing Br/ Ratio Temp. Br bHc HcJ (BH)_(max) 4PI_(max) Hk/HcJ Br + Appear- a ° C. G Oe Oe MGOe % % ⅓HcJ ance Example 24 1.62 1200 4042 3665 3864 3.94 95.7 94.8 5.33 A Example 25 1.96 1220 4096 3592 3743 4.05 96.0 94.8 5.34 A Example 26 2.18 1180 4012 3807 4073 3.89 95.8 97.3 5.37 A Example 27 1.92 1200 4113 3704 3887 4.08 96.0 95.3 5.41 A Example 28 2.30 1200 4132 3713 3880 4.13 96.1 95.7 5.43 A Example 29 2.51 1180 4083 3753 3981 4.03 95.9 95.0 5.41 A Example 30 1.97 1200 4028 3729 3989 3.90 94.8 94.6 5.36 A Example 31 2.17 1200 4076 3779 4025 4.00 95.2 95.4 5.42 A Example 32 2.32 1200 4068 3763 4028 3.98 94.9 94.9 5.41 A Example 33 1.93 1220 4143 3431 3612 4.14 96.0 92.6 5.35 A Example 34 2.15 1220 4116 3663 3832 4.08 95.5 94.8 5.39 A Example 35 2.40 1200 4098 3720 3941 4.05 95.5 94.4 5.41 A Example 36 2.60 1200 4127 3659 3884 4.11 95.8 93.5 5.42 A Example 37 1.58 1220 4093 3504 3659 4.03 95.9 94.6 5.31 A Example 38 1.74 1200 4064 3633 3764 3.98 95.6 95.7 5.32 A Example 39 1.90 1180 4059 3771 3982 3.97 95.4 96.3 5.39 A Example 40 2.25 1180 4119 3668 3857 4.09 95.6 94.7 5.40 A Example 41 2.71 1220 4065 3668 3819 4.00 95.9 95.6 5.34 A Example 42 3.18 1200 4013 3710 3945 3.90 96.0 94.8 5.33 A Example 43 3.13 1200 3996 3719 4028 3.86 95.7 94.6 5.34 A Example 44 1.67 1220 4102 3568 3736 4.06 95.9 94.3 5.35 A Example 45 1.99 1220 4077 3622 3807 4.02 95.9 94.8 5.35 A Example 46 2.06 1200 4019 3735 3980 3.89 95.5 95.3 5.35 A

TABLE 3 Composition Analysis Na₂O Al₂O₃ K₂O SiO₂ CaO Cr₂O₃ MnO Fe₂O₃ NiO SrO BaO Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Example 47 0.154 0.090 0.001 0.685 0.865 0.073 0.556 86.9 0.0 10.4 0.056 Example 48 0.176 0.088 0.001 0.676 0.873 0.073 0.560 86.9 0.0 10.4 0.063 Example 49 0.178 0.095 0.001 0.626 0.209 0.081 0.563 87.5 0.0 10.5 0.059 Example 50 0.202 0.094 0.001 0.892 0.866 0.075 0.553 86.7 0.0 10.4 0.063 Example 51 0.155 0.091 0.001 0.897 1.08 0.072 0.558 86.5 0.0 10.4 0.056 Example 52 0.198 0.088 0.001 0.888 1.07 0.073 0.555 86.5 0.0 10.4 0.050 Example 53 0.159 0.090 0.001 0.908 1.30 0.076 0.560 86.3 0.0 10.3 0.056 Example 54 0.189 0.092 0.001 0.897 1.31 0.077 0.553 86.3 0.0 10.4 0.049 Example 55 0.196 0.089 0.001 0.883 0.426 0.074 0.558 87.1 0.0 10.4 0.050 Example 56 0.201 0.094 0.001 0.885 0.433 0.076 0.564 87.1 0.0 10.4 0.056 Example 57 0.167 0.095 0.001 0.919 0.652 0.072 0.558 86.9 0.0 10.4 0.055 Example 58 0.168 0.093 0.001 0.658 0.105 0.078 0.562 87.1 0.0 11.1 0.064 Example 59 0.307 0.097 0.001 0.678 0.106 0.080 0.560 86.9 0.0 11.0 0.067 Example 60 0.168 0.093 0.001 0.666 0.107 0.081 0.555 86.7 0.0 11.4 0.066 Example 61 0.183 0.089 0.001 0.678 0.108 0.078 0.561 86.2 0.0 11.8 0.080 Example 62 0.175 0.090 0.001 0.647 0.107 0.072 0.560 87.4 0.0 10.7 0.059 Example 63 0.002 0.121 0.121 0.797 0.952 0.078 0.567 87.5 0.0 9.7 0.081 Example 64 0.002 0.210 0.210 0.791 0.917 0.075 0.557 87.6 0.0 9.6 0.083 Magnetic Characteristics Molar Firing Br/ Ratio Temp. Br bHc HcJ (BH)_(max) 4PI_(max) Hk/HcJ Br + Appear- a ° C. G Oe Oe MGOe % % ⅓Hc ance Example 47 3.03 1180 4064 3622 3946 3.98 95.6 91.8 5.38 A Example 48 3.21 1180 4074 3585 3881 4.01 95.7 91.7 5.37 A Example 49 2.37 1200 4035 3740 3930 3.93 95.7 96.3 5.35 A Example 50 2.55 1200 4062 3772 4034 3.97 95.1 95.0 5.41 A Example 51 2.60 1180 4054 3721 4002 3.97 95.3 93.7 5.39 A Example 52 2.80 1180 4040 3707 3973 3.94 95.4 94.0 5.36 A Example 53 2.80 1200 4106 3587 3830 4.06 95.5 92.9 5.38 A Example 54 3.04 1200 4109 3450 3779 4.07 95.8 89.1 5.37 A Example 55 1.98 1220 4073 3500 3780 3.94 95.7 90.4 5.33 A Example 56 2.01 1200 4053 3734 3923 3.96 95.6 96.0 5.36 A Example 57 2.06 1180 4019 3750 4033 3.89 95.2 94.8 5.36 A Example 58 2.60 1180 4045 3742 4006 3.94 95.2 94.9 5.38 A Example 59 3.26 1180 4087 3676 4067 3.95 95.6 90.4 5.44 B Example 60 2.87 1220 4015 3723 3987 3.89 95.6 95.3 5.34 A Example 61 3.31 1200 3948 3707 4078 3.77 95.7 93.8 5.31 B Example 62 2.30 1220 4043 3612 3784 3.95 96.1 95.1 5.30 B Example 63 1.84 1220 4079 3584 3852 4.01 95.2 91.8 5.36 A Example 64 1.97 1200 4023 3638 3925 3.89 95.0 92.7 5.33 A

TABLE 4 Composition Analysis Na₂O Al₂O₃ K₂O SiO₂ CaO Cr₂O₃ MnO Fe₂O₃ NiO SrO BaO mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % Example 65 0.005 0.082 0.001 0.389 0.047 0.072 0.557 88.4 0.0 10.4 0.057 Example 66 0.004 0.086 0.002 0.320 0.375 0.070 0.561 88.2 0.0 10.5 0.060 Example 67 0.290 0.089 0.001 0.320 0.200 0.068 0.559 88.3 0.0 10.4 0.057 Example 68 0.300 0.084 0.002 0.930 1.800 0.072 0.565 86.0 0.0 10.5 0.057 Example 69 0.300 0.088 0.001 0.935 0.410 0.079 0.559 87.2 0.0 10.5 0.060 Example 70 0.005 0.080 0.001 0.932 0.690 0.075 0.562 87.2 0.0 10.5 0.060 Example 71 0.000 0.087 0.010 0.310 0.375 0.077 0.551 88.2 0.0 10.5 0.060 Example 72 0.001 0.084 0.090 0.464 0.648 0.075 0.558 87.4 0.0 10.5 0.059 Magnetic Characteristics Molar Firing Br/ Ratio Temp. Br bHc HcJ (BH)_(max) 4PI_(max) Hk/HcJ Br + Appear- a ° C. G Oe Oe MGOe % % ⅓HcJ ance Example 65 1.36 1220 4102 3851 3952 4.08 96.1 95.1 5.42 A Example 66 2.97 1220 4162 3551 3652 4.20 96.5 95.6 5.38 A Example 67 5.63 1200 4168 3561 3659 4.21 96.7 95.9 5.39 A Example 68 4.04 1220 4167 3329 3451 4.14 96.7 93.8 5.32 A Example 69 2.35 1220 4077 3509 3750 3.96 96.2 91.8 5.33 A Example 70 1.45 1220 4067 3529 3751 3.94 96.1 91.8 5.32 A Example 71 3.08 1220 4162 3551 3652 4.20 96.5 95.6 5.38 A Example 72 3.24 1180 4096 3598 3818 4.06 96.0 93.5 5.37 A

TABLE 5 Composition Analysis Na₂O Al₂O₃ K₂O SiO₂ CaO Cr₂O₃ MnO Fe₂O₃ NiO SrO BaO mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % Comp. Ex. 1 0.002 0.093 0.001 0.506 0.853 0.082 0.562 87.3 0.0 10.4 0.051 Comp. Ex. 2 0.002 0.093 0.001 0.735 0.422 0.075 0.568 87.5 0.0 10.4 0.058 Comp. Ex. 3 0.002 0.092 0.001 0.970 0.855 0.076 0.561 87.0 0.0 10.3 0.058 Comp. Ex. 4 0.002 0.090 0.001 0.976 1.29 0.074 0.552 86.6 0.0 10.3 0.053 Comp. Ex. 5 0.002 0.094 0.001 0.947 0.647 0.077 0.559 87.1 0.0 10.4 0.052 Comp. Ex. 6 0.002 0.093 0.001 0.737 0.105 0.081 0.554 87.3 0.0 11.0 0.064 Comp. Ex. 7 0.002 0.091 0.001 0.736 0.106 0.080 0.558 86.8 0.0 11.4 0.067 Comp. Ex. 8 0.002 0.090 0.001 0.730 0.106 0.075 0.559 86.5 0.0 11.8 0.074 Comp. Ex. 9 0.002 0.091 0.001 0.724 0.106 0.079 0.556 86.1 0.0 12.2 0.078 Comp. Ex. 10 0.002 0.091 0.001 0.600 0.102 0.074 0.557 86.7 0.0 11.7 0.083 Comp. Ex. 11 0.002 0.091 0.001 0.849 0.866 0.082 0.563 87.1 0.0 10.3 0.083 Comp. Ex. 12 0.002 0.085 0.001 0.274 0.098 0.075 0.559 88.2 0.0 10.5 0.060 Comp. Ex. 13 0.002 0.088 0.001 0.274 0.098 0.077 0.561 88.3 0.0 10.5 0.058 Magnetic Characteristics Molar Filing Br/ Ratio Temp. Br bHc HcJ (BH)_(max) 4PI_(max) Hk/HcJ Br + Appear- a ° C. G Oe Oe MGOe % % ⅓HcJ ance Comp. Ex. 1 2.85 1180 4140 2524 2719 4.14 96.1 86.1 5.05 A Comp. Ex. 2 1.32 1220 4094 3101 3275 3.99 95.9 90.2 5.19 A Comp. Ex. 3 1.45 1220 4119 3223 3354 4.09 95.6 93.6 5.24 A Comp. Ex. 4 1.95 1220 4114 3279 3540 4.08 95.5 90.1 5.29 A Comp. Ex. 5 1.30 1220 4067 3029 3151 3.94 96.1 91.8 5.12 A Comp. Ex. 6 1.35 1180 4210 2742 2877 4.28 96.5 90.1 5.17 A Comp. Ex. 7 1.71 1180 4181 2634 2741 4.23 96.4 92.6 5.0 A Comp. Ex. 8 2.07 1180 4099 3247 3386 4.06 96.6 93.4 5.23 A Comp. Ex. 9 2.45 1200 3934 2869 2946 3.76 96.3 93.0 4.92 A Comp. Ex. 10 2.41 1220 4107 2798 2932 4.09 96.8 90.6 5.08 A Comp. Ex. 11 1.68 1220 4146 3112 3265 4.14 95.2 92.4 5.23 A Comp. Ex. 12 2.34 1220 4041 2200 2266 3.93 96.8 91.6 4.80 A Comp. Ex. 13 2.32 1220 4218 1818 1842 3.97 97.3 91.9 4.83 A

As shown in Tables 1 to 5, in the sintered ferrite magnets of Examples, the crack did not occur and the white powder was not generated, and a value of the “Br+⅓HcJ” was 5.3 or more. In addition, in a sintered ferrite magnet in which the total amount of Na and K in terms of Na₂O and K₂O was more than 0.31% by mass, it was confirmed that a crack tended to occur, and when the sintered ferrite magnet was left as is in the air for a predetermined period of time, the white powder precipitated in some cases. In addition, when a ratio of the molar ratio a was too large or too small, a phenomenon in which the 1.0 magnetic characteristics decreased or the reliability deteriorated was confirmed.

Examples 73 and 74, and Comparative Example 14 Preparation of Sintered Ferrite Magnet and Evaluation Thereof

The same starting raw materials as Example 1 were prepared. 1000 g of Fe₂CO₃ powder, 161.2 g of SrCO₃ powder, and 2.3 g of SiO₂ powder were mixed while pulverizing the powders by using a wet attritor, and then drying and granulation were performed. The resultant powder that was obtained in this manner was fired in the air at 1250° C. for 3 hours, thereby obtaining a granular calcined material. The calcined material was roughly pulverized by using a dry vibration rod mill, thereby preparing a powder having a specific surface area of 1 m²/g in accordance with a BET method.

Sorbitol, the SiO₂ powder and the CaCO₃ powder were added to 200 g of roughly pulverized powder in a predetermined amount, and then wet pulverization was performed for 40 hours by using a ball mill to obtain slurry. An added amount of the sorbitol was 1% by mass on the basis of the mass of the roughly pulverized powder. The specific surface area of a fine powder contained in the slurry was 6 m²/g to 8 m²/g. The Na₂CO₃ powder and/or the K₂CO₃ powder were added to the slurry after completion of the pulverization in a predetermined amount, and then stirring was performed. Then, a concentration of a solid content of the slurry was adjusted, and molding was performed by using a wet magnetic field molding machine in an applied magnetic field of 12 kOe, thereby obtaining a molded body. The molded body was fired in the air at 1180° C. to 1240° C., thereby obtaining a cylindrical sintered ferrite magnet. In this manner, sintered ferrite magnets of Examples of 73 and 74 and Comparative Example 14 were prepared. Evaluation on the prepared sintered ferrite magnets was performed in the same manner as Example 1. Results thereof are shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Composition Analysis Na₂O Al₂O₃ K₂O SiO₂ CaO Cr₂O₃ MnO Fe₂O₃ NiO SrO BaO Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Mass % Example 73 0.044 0.057 0.001 0.727 0.859 0.088 0.561 87.2 0.027 10.3 0.074 Example 74 0.105 0.053 0.001 0.736 0.873 0.086 0.558 87.1 0.028 10.3 0.067 Comp. Ex. 14 0.002 0.051 0.001 0.849 0.866 0.082 0.563 87.1 0.030 10.3 0.083 Magnetic Characteristics Molar Firing Br/ Ratio Temp. Br bHc HcJ (BH)_(max) 4PI_(max) Hk/HcJ Br + Appear- a ° C. G Oe Oe MGOe % % ⅓HcJ ance Example 73 2.26 1200 4136 3605 3779 4.12 95.1 93.8 5.40 A Example 74 2.74 1200 4122 3597 3854 4.09 95.1 92.6 5.41 A Comp. Ex. 14 1.67 1200 4113 3126 3312 4.08 95.2 91.1 5.22 A

A cross-section (a plane) of each of the sintered ferrite magnets of Examples 73 and 74 and Comparative Example 14 was mirror-polished, and then the cross-section was etched with a hydrofluoric acid. Then, the resultant etched surface was observed with an FE-SEM. FIG. 3 is an electron microscope photograph illustrating an enlarged cross-section of the sintered ferrite magnet of Example 73 (magnification: 10,000 times). FIG. 4 is an electron microscope photograph illustrating an enlarged cross-section of the sintered ferrite magnet of Example 74 (magnification: 10,000 times). FIG. 5 is an electron microscope photograph illustrating an enlarged cross-section of the sintered ferrite magnet of Comparative Example 14 (magnification: 10,000 times).

It was confirmed that in the sintered ferrite magnets shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a deviation in a grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite was smaller and the maximum grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite was smaller in comparison to the sintered ferrite magnet shown in FIG. 5. In the images shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a contour of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite was made to be clear. Then, a grain size distribution of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite on the number basis was measured by image processing.

FIG. 6 is a histogram illustrating a grain size distribution of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite that is contained in the sintered ferrite magnet of Example 73. FIG. 7 is a histogram illustrating a grain size distribution of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite that is contained in the sintered ferrite magnet of Example 74. FIG. 8 is a histogram illustrating a grain size distribution of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite that is contained in the sintered ferrite magnet of Comparative Example 14.

From grain size distribution data, an average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite on the number basis and a standard deviation thereof were obtained. In addition, an aspect ratio of each of the crystal grains was measured, and an average value of the aspect ratio on the number basis and a standard deviation thereof were obtained. Results thereof are shown in Table 7. In Examples 73 and 74, a ratio of crystal grains having a grain size of 2.0 μm or more to the entirety of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite on the number basis was 1% or less. In contrast, in Comparative Example 14, a ratio of crystal grains having a grain size of 2.0 μm or more to the entirety of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite on the number basis exceeded 1%.

With respect to the sintered ferrite magnets that were obtained in Examples 1 to 5, etching was performed in the same manner as Example 73, and then observation with the FE-SEM was performed. After a contour of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite was made to be clear in image processing as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a grain size distribution of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite on the number basis was measured by image processing. From grain size distribution data, the average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite on the number basis and the standard deviation thereof were obtained. In addition, an aspect ratio of each of the crystal grains was measured, and an average value of the aspect ratio on the number basis and a standard deviation thereof were obtained. Results thereof are shown in Table 7. Even in the sintered magnets of Examples 1 and 5, a ratio of crystal grains having a grain size of 2.0 μm or more to the entirety of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite was 1% or less.

TABLE 7 Grain Size (μm) Aspect Ratio Example 73 Average Value 0.80 1.60 Standard deviation 0.42 0.46 Example 74 Average Value 0.79 1.54 Standard deviation 0.40 0.38 Example 1 Average Value 0.79 1.50 Standard deviation 0.38 0.36 Example 5 Average Value 0.82 1.48 Standard deviation 0.41 0.42 Comparative Average Value 0.85 1.62 Example14 Standard deviation 0.43 0.48

Even in the sintered ferrite magnets of other Examples, the grain size distribution of the Sr ferrite was measured in the same manner as Example 1, and the average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite on the number basis and the standard deviation thereof were obtained. As a result, in all of the sintered ferrite magnets of Examples, the average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite was 1.0 μm or less. In addition, in all of the sintered ferrite magnets of Examples, a ratio of crystal grains having a grain size of 2.0 μM or more to the entirety of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite on the number basis was 1% or less.

<Composition Analysis 2>

A composition inside crystal grains of ferrite constituting the sintered body of Example 74, and a composition in the vicinity of a grain boundary between two crystal grains were measured by using a high-resolution TEM-EDS. At the inside of crystal grains and in the vicinity of the grain boundary, a spectrum was 100-point measured, and the resultant values were integrated and quantified. This measurement was performed for five sites at the inside of crystal grains and in the vicinity of the grain boundary, respectively. When the total amount of Na, Si, Ca, Fe, and Sr was set to 100% by mass, an amount of each element is shown in Table 8. In addition, it is difficult to measure the composition at the grain boundary alone, and thus a measured value in the vicinity of the grain boundary is affected by the composition inside grains.

TABLE 8 Measure- ment Na Si Ca Fe Sr Point mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % In the 1 6.7 8.5 1.4 80.8 2.7 vicinity 2 7.3 8.4 1.1 80.4 2.8 of grain 3 7.6 8.5 1.5 79.8 2.7 boundary 4 7.3 13.2 3.6 72.8 3.2 5 4.6 7.2 1.5 83.6 3.1 Inside of 1 1.1 5.1 0.7 90.0 3.2 crystal 2 1.7 5.0 0.2 90.1 3.0 grains 3 1.4 5.4 0.8 89.0 3.4 4 0.9 5.3 0.3 90.4 3.2 5 0.9 5.3 0.3 90.2 3.3

As shown in FIG. 8, it was confirmed that similar to Si and Ca, Na was also present at the grain boundary portion with a higher concentration in comparison to the inside of crystal grains.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the invention, it is possible to provide a sintered ferrite magnet which is excellent in both characteristics of Br and HO and which has high reliability. In addition, it is possible to provide a motor which has high efficiency and is excellent in reliability.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   10: Sintered ferrite magnet 

1. A sintered ferrite magnet, comprising: Sr ferrite having a hexagonal crystal structure, wherein a total amount of Na and K is 0.004 to 0.31% by mass in terms of Na₂O and K₂O, an amount of Si is 0.3 to 0.94% by mass in terms of SiO₂, and the following Expression (1) is satisfied. 1.3≦(Sr_(F)+Ba+Ca+2Na+2K)/Si≦5.7  (1) [In Expression (1), Sr_(F) represents an amount of Sr, on a molar basis, other than Sr which constitutes the Sr ferrite, and Ba, Ca, Na, and K represent amounts of respective elements on a molar basis.]
 2. The sintered ferrite magnet according to claim 1, wherein the following Expression (2) is satisfied. 1.7≦(Sr_(F)+Ba+Ca+2Na+2K)/Si≦2.7  (2) [In Expression (2), Sr_(F) represents an amount of Sr, on a molar basis, other than Sr which constitutes the Sr ferrite, and Ba, Ca, Na, and K represent amounts of respective elements on a molar basis.]
 3. The sintered ferrite magnet according to claim 1, wherein the following Expression (3) is satisfied. Br+⅓HcJ≧5.3  (3) [In Expression (3), Br and HcJ represent a residual magnetic flux density (kG) and a coercive force (kOe), respectively.]
 4. The sintered ferrite magnet according to claim 1, wherein an average grain size of crystal grains of the Sr ferrite is 1.0 μm or less, and a ratio of the crystal grains, which have a grain size of 2.0 μm or more, on the number basis is 1% or less.
 5. A motor, comprising: the sintered ferrite magnet according to claim
 1. 